Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented: “The HTA welcomes today’s announcement of a commitment to deliver an ambitious and comprehensive new UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, inclusive of plants. We have been at the forefront of explaining the vital need for this agreement. The current border regime has caused uncertainty and huge costs to our members’ businesses. We are incredibly pleased that the government has made this significant first step to deal with the issues we have continually raised. Whilst we await the details, we anticipate that the agreement should remove the need for unnecessary certification and checks on plants and plant products, which will save the sector millions and cannot come soon enough.
“Environmental horticulture businesses across the UK – from growers and retailers to landscapers and suppliers – have borne the brunt of costly and complex border trade processes and bureaucracy since the UK left the EU. Many have lost business, and all have faced supply chain disruption and rising costs.
“Addressing these impacts and ensuring the needs of our members are prioritised in trade and border policy has long been a priority for us. Today’s statement reflects the influence of the HTA’s sustained efforts, and we are encouraged to see SPS alignment on the agenda.
“The Leaders’ Summit marks an important step towards rebuilding practical, collaborative trade arrangements. The key questions now are the details of the new arrangements and reassurances that plants are not the ‘exceptions’ indicated in the standard text, as well as how quickly they can be implemented.
“We are optimistic about what can be achieved and we will work proactively on behalf of our members to ensure our sector has a strong voice in shaping an outcome that safeguards biosecurity, restores business confidence, and supports long-term competitiveness.”
Grower Jonathan Whittemore, Johnsons Nurseries and chair of the HTA’s Ornamental Management Committee (OMC) commented:
“Many growers will welcome the prospect of the removal of friction and burdens associated with cross-border plant trade becoming a reality. Johnsons alone has been hit by the financial and time demands of border checks and certification, which have not boosted our top priority of biosecurity but increased risk, uncertainty and disruption. We are looking forward to the details of what any new SPS arrangement in our sector will mean. We are grateful for the ongoing work of the HTA, which has been the leading voice for horticulture in lobbying for this change.”
Retailer Neil Grant, Ferndale Garden Centre and chair of the HTA’s Retailer Committee commented:
“Garden centres and their customers have seen prices rise and choice reduced as a direct result of the trade barriers we now have with European suppliers. We know of many retailers who report that inspection delays have led to damaged, unsalable stock, as well as staffing issues around ever-shifting delivery times, all of which add costs to garden centres across the UK. Lifting trade barriers should boost our range of plants and products and how quickly we can get them. We are very positive on the HTA’s ongoing advice, guidance and advocacy on EU-UK trade. We are looking forward to seeing the outcome of this hard work benefit UK garden retailers and their customers.”
Landscaper Dave Strows, Artform Landscapes and chair of the Association of Professional Landscapers Committee, commented:
“Landscapers and designers who deliver gardens and green spaces have experienced delays, damaged goods, and increased costs as a result of trade barriers for the plants and materials they need. Any step that reduces the risks and costs cannot come soon enough, and means we can deliver even better gardens for our clients. Many APL members have been sharing their experiences and challenges with the HTA, who have lobbied hard for an SPS agreement; this is a huge achievement for the HTA and APL.”
